Kumasi Feb 23, GNA - Fourteen (14) employees of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) in the Ashanti region, were on Friday honoured for their diligence and dedication to the Service. The overall best worker of the year award for the senior staff category, went to Mr. James Ocloo, Principal Collector, whiles Mr. Robert Acquahful, Collecting Assistant grade III, was adjudged the best worker in the junior category.

They received latex foam products and specially- framed certificates whiles the other 12 officers were awarded with latex foam products and certificates of recognition at the annual end of year Staff Party held at the Officers' Mess, Ridge in Kumasi. Mr. Ken B. Gbireh, Kumasi Sector Commander, said the automation system that was started in 2006 was at its final stages and that Kumasi offices would soon be fully automated.

He said a cross section of officers have received training on the updated Ghana Customs Management System (GCMS) and other fields such as the Customs Classification Valuation Certificate (CCVC), Unique Consignment Reference (UCR), E-Tracking, GCNet tracking and Verification of conformity amongst others.

According to Mr. Gbireh, the update in the skills was to make the officers "battle-ready" for the smooth take-off of the GCNet/GCMS operations in Kumasi by March 1, 2010. He urged the officers to practice regularly whatever they have been taught to be abreast of new developments. Mr. Gbireh added that the Management of the Service was determined to achieve a paperless transaction soon, not only to minimize the period of transaction but also to win the confidence of their clients. He advised the officers to be each other's keeper and encourage each other to strife for excellence in their service delivery and profession while pulling up those that require further training and admonition. The Sector Commander thanked the management of the Service, the management of GCNet and other partners who have assisted them in equipping and training.

Mr. Gbireh said CEPS would continue to work in partnership with the business community for the mutual benefit of all. He advised the officers to position themselves adequately in order to reduce the time and cost of doing business at their offices. 23 Feb.10